Blessings

Dear Family and Friends,

While serving as a narrator on the wagon with Elder Long, we shared a special experience. As the ride ended, a man of around 40 years of age asked us where we were from. When we answered Morgan, he asked if by chance we knew a of a man named Jonathan Barrett.  We replied that we once knew a young missionary from Morgan named Johnny Barrett, but he was killed in Africa while serving on the Ivory Coast.  He teared up and said that Elder Barrett was one of the six Elders that he lived with while serving there.  He and Elder Barrett were close as they were the only two Americans of the group.  He wanted to contact Johnny's mother after all these years and tell her what a difference that event made in the rest of his life.  Elder Barrett had been a model to him of how he wanted to serve the Lord and made him grateful for every day he had on this earth.

Johnny was the same age as our kids and made a big difference in each of their lives.  We told him about the funeral and that Elder Monson had spoken. At the end of the service as he left the stand, he silently saluted Johnny's picture.  That quiet respect for an Elder meant the world to each of us.

It's wonderful the Lord allowed our paths to cross.

The Lord is in the details of our lives.  So many tender mercies happen each day to testify of that. I believe that sometimes we are too busy to notice.  Many times we run into people we know and have great conversations.

 One tender mercy we've had recently is doing the baptism in the temple for Elder Long's 2nd Great-grandmother.  He has looked for her name for over 35 years and when he found her, knew he needed to have her work done.  It is a exceptional privilege to do it here in the Nauvoo temple.  As I was baptized by Elder Long for her, it was an experience to treasure.  The Nauvoo temple will always hold a sacred place in our hearts.

As we get to the last weeks of our mission, we remember all the blessings poured out on us and our family and friends as we have served here.  Many we can count and I'm sure there are many we aren't even aware of.  One thing for sure, we know the Lord lives and directs His church on the earth through prophets. How blessed we are!

Love you all and hope you have a great week ahead.  I know we will.

Sister and Elder Long

Happy Pioneer Day

July 23, 2018

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy 24th of July tomorrow!  We won't be celebrating the 24th here in Nauvoo for obvious reasons but we will think of you and all the activities that go on in Utah.

The 24th of July has a greater depth of meaning now that we have lived where the exodus began.  Next year I will remember Parley's street and February 4th as the pioneers began their journey into the unknown towards the West. 

It took courage and faith to follow a prophet and trust in the Lord.  They could have remained in Nauvoo if they would deny their faith. We are ever so grateful they stood firm in their beliefs.

Nauvoo couldn't handle any more celebration than is going on right now, anyway.  There are activities and performances that go on all day from early until after 10 PM when the pageant ends. There are bus loads of people that come every day along with the families that arrive by car.  This place is covered in people somewhat like an anthill.

The weather this past week was wild.  We spent Thursday evening in our neighbors' basement apartment due to a tornado warning.  You probably heard of touch-downs and damage in the Midwest.  Lightning storms come up so quickly here and there is little warning.  We're so lucky to live in the mountains and be better protected.  Well at least we will be there soon!

We continue to serve and learn each day as we do. This truly is a hallowed place.  But so is anywhere, where people take a stand to do the right thing and follow the Savior.

Have a good week.  We are getting a bit anxious for our journey West.

We love you and the Lord,

Sister and Elder Long

Wonder Week

Dear Family and Friends,

This has been a fabulous week.  Billy, Malinda, Ty, and Travis came to visit.  We finally got to meet Travis.  He's a cutie and completes their family.  Ty is a great big brother, always looking out and playing with his little friend.  You can see and feel the tight bond. Bill and Malinda waited to give Travis his baby blessing here in Nauvoo.  It was a such a joy to be a part of this occasion.  Travis was given the middle name Eldon after his Grandpa Bob's middle name. The blessing given by Billy was filled with so many promises and much inspiration.

Travis Eldon Long

Ty Long

Ty & Travis

 They were able to catch all the shows and most of the sights.  The wagon ride and oxen ride were given by us.  We were also able to give many of the tours, including a special private tour of Carthage. 

Becky and Todd Thurston joined us at the end of the week.  We had a happy, fun, full house.  We loved it. I believe it was a good way for Malinda to meet some of the valley's finest people.  Billy and his family are now the newest residents of Morgan.  Malinda hasn't lived in Utah so hopefully the cultural shock and climate change will go well.  We have so many fine people in Morgan and Utah.  The winters aren't too bad and the rest of the year is beautiful.  The mountains make it all worthwhile. Most of all, they will have so much family support and love.  Ty is excited about being near all of his cousins.

We are in the full Pageant season.  At the end of some days you feel exhausted but somehow the energy recharges and the next day you give it your all.  One thing we've noticed this year is how much easier the shows are to perform.  It's mostly due to the fact we know what we're doing.  It's actually kind of fun.

We will see you in a month. We are excited and yet a little sad to leave this wonderful place.  We have learned and felt so much.

Love as always,

Sister and Elder Long

Summer Fun & the 4th of July back home in Utah!

Krispy Kreme is better than birthday cake!

I agree with my big brother!

Celebrating Matt's Birthday!

Cora needs a doughnut!

Katie Do Dah 4th of July Party Girl!

Cooper & Dad

Jason & Navy

Baby Cora

Boston & his Favorite kitty

James and twins, Luke & Levi

Secret Twins (Luke & Levi)

Lemon Family

Happy Fourth of July!

Dear Family and Friends,

Flags, parades, bands, parties, fireworks may these all be a part of your day.  Every 4th of July is special because we celebrate freedom and family.  We don't live in a perfect country but we do have more freedoms than anywhere else. We are ever grateful for those who keep us free.  Happy Independence Day!!

Life is in a spin here in Nauvoo.  There is so much going on all at once.  Crowds are gathering anticipating Pageant.  Pageant is on a Broadway show level.  It is absolutely amazing.  Because of the pageants, I recognize more fully the story of the early pioneers; not only from America but from the British Isles.  In case you didn't know, there are actually  two pageants, the British Pageant and the Nauvoo Pageant.  The British Pageant tells of the conversions and journey of the Brits and Nauvoo Pageant tells the rest of the story from when they arrive in America and the story of those who are in Nauvoo.  I feel so much gratitude for all of them who followed a prophet and gathered to Nauvoo and then went West. It shares a strong testimony of the Savior and His restored church through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

British Pageant

Nauvoo Pageant

We are having marvelous experiences here but are looking forward to our journey home.  We have begun to pack winter stuff and "weed out" things that shouldn't go home. 

This is a short but heartfelt e-mail.  So much to do today and I'd better get going.

Again we love you but the Lord loves you more,

Sister and Elder Long

Cora's Blessing Day! (7.1.2018)

We had Cora’s blessing today! Matt gave a beautiful blessing. It was a great day spent with family and friends! 

💕

Beautiful little Cora!

The Gustafson Family

Proud Daddy!

Happy Mom!

Our CUTE kiddos!